by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

The departing members of the Big East known as the Catholic 7 - Seton Hall, Georgetown, Marquette, DePaul, Villanova, Providence, and St. John's - could break away from the tradition-rich conference sooner than anticipated, longtime Big East writer Mark Blaudshun reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, both parties - the Big East Conference and the seven departing Catholic schools - are focused on moving towards the future, but the financial aspect has been the biggest issue.

A multi-year television offer of approximately $40 million from Fox Sports Cable is on the table for the Catholic 7 schools, adding more pressure to leave early and start the new venture.

The Chicago Tribune, citing Depaul and Marquette athletic directors, reported a separation agreement with the football schools could be in place by as soon as the Big East Conference men's basketball tournament in the middle of March.

DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto suggested to The Tribune a "possibility if it could be 2013."